Administrative Assistant II

*Special Instructions to Applicants:*

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

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Boasting a 300\-acre tree\-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News \& World Report. Rice has a 6\-to\-1 undergraduate student\-to\-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close\-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Administrative Assistant II role provides advanced administrative and operational support to the Office of Admission at Rice University. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of daily operations within a fast\-paced and service\-oriented environment. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Administration and working in concert with an administrative team, the Administrative Assistant II performs complex administrative tasks, manages office calendars and schedules, and assists with the planning and execution of key admission\-related processes and events.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate for the Administrative Assistant II position will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision. This role requires excellent communication skills and a customer\-service mindset, as it serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including prospective students, families, and university partners. The Administrative Assistant II is expected to exercise independent judgment, handle sensitive information with confidentiality, and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere aligned with the university's mission.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in\-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration \- typically a rotating schedule of three days in office with two remote. Exceptions to this schedule may include special events, in\-person meetings/retreats, or busy times of the year. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $19\.90–$20\.30 hourly, non\-exempt.

\Non\-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2\+ years’ experience providing administrative support, preferably in a university setting

+ In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year\-for\-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Proficient administrative skills including calendar management, meeting coordination, and office organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and comfort with learning new software systems
• Experience with data entry and database management (e.g., CRM systems like Slate or similar platforms)
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information
• Problem\-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Flexibility and adaptability to support changing office needs and event\-based workloads
• Team\-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the division

Preferences:

• 3\+ years of administrative support experience, preferably in a higher education or admission\-related setting
• Familiarity with student information systems or CRM platforms such as Slate, Banner, or Salesforce
• Experience supporting events or programs, including scheduling, logistics, and vendor coordination

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for one or more administrative and business functions, including processing and managing student hire payroll, event management, onboarding coordination, FERPA file requests, and/or expense reporting
• Serves as a key point of contact for prospective students, families, school counselors, and campus partners by providing timely, accurate, and courteous responses via phone, email, and in\-person interactions
• Greets and assists campus visitors to the Office of Admission and Welcome Center, ensuring a welcoming and professional first impression for campus visit registrants and walk\-in visitors
• Provides high\-level administrative support to Office of Admission staff, including managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and preparing communications
• Supports the planning, coordination, and execution of on\-campus and virtual admission events, assisting with registration, guest services, and event logistics—from daily campus visits to large event days
• Maintains accurate and confidential records, enters and updates applicant data in internal systems, and assists with the generation of reports and queries
• Responds to general inquiries about the admission process, policies, and deadlines, and escalates complex issues to the appropriate staff member when necessary
• Manages the daily operations of the front office, including organizing supplies, maintaining office appearance, and coordinating mail, deliveries, and print materials
• Assists with onboarding and coordination of student workers and may provide guidance to junior administrative staff as needed
• Assists with the coordination and logistics of admission\-related events, meetings, travel, and special projects

Additional Functions:

• Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and organizational structures
• Ability to draft and edit professional correspondence and documents with minimal oversight
• Participates in ongoing efforts to improve office workflows, enhance customer service, and support a positive and inclusive work environment
• Understanding of admissions or enrollment operations and the academic calendar cycle

*Rice University HR \| Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits*

*Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values \| Rice University*

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.